Bail decision looms for accused in Mpumalanga businesswoman murder
Cuan Karelse, the man accused of murdering beloved Mpumalanga businesswoman Renee Lea, will be back in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The man accused of Mpumalanga businesswoman Renee Lea’s murder will reappear in court on Monday September 9 for bail investigations.
The body of the beloved 57-year-old from Standerton was found in the stolen vehicle Cuan Karelse was driving in Moreleta Park on August 24.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Karelse made his second appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s court on Monday, September 2, after a brief appearance on August 26.
Mahajana said the case was postponed to next week Monday for bail.
“The matter was postponed until Monday, September 9 for bail investigations, and for the accused to consult with his legal representation.”
She said Karelse allegedly killed Lea in a home robbery.
“He has been charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition,” said Mahanjana.
Karelse is accused of murdering Lea before making off with her car and appliances.
Mahanjana said in the afternoon of August 23, the accused allegedly slipped into Lea’s residence.
“It is alleged that the accused tied her up, robbed her of her belongings, wrapped her in a carpet, put her in the boot of her car and drove with her to Pretoria.”
When the dead woman’s daughter could not get hold of her on the phone, she called the Tracker company to locate the car.
“The Tracker company then located the car at a petrol station in Moreleta Park, Pretoria while the accused was inside the shop,” said Mahanjana.
She said the petrol attendants identified the accused as the person driving the vehicle.
“The Tracker company personnel then apprehended the accused. When they opened the boot of the car, the deceased’s body was found with cables around her neck and her mouth covered with tape.”
She added that the tracking officials then called police and the accused was arrested and held in custody until his first court appearance.
Mahanjana said the state intends to oppose bail in the matter on Monday.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
